Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Kravitz and Laura Whitmore among stars to praise President Joe Biden

President Joe Biden and his wife Dr Jill Biden today

(AP)

Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Kravitz and Kerry Washington were among the stars to praise President Joe Biden as he was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States.

A number of celebrities - including Laura Whitmore, Oprah Winfrey and Eva Longoria - said they felt “hopeful”and “emotional” as Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were inaugurated on Wednesday.

Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga performed at the star-studded ceremony, as did American country singer Garth Brooks. John Legend and Katy Perry will perform later tonight.

President Trump and his wife Melania did not attend the ceremony, which took place in Washington at the U.S. Capitol, two weeks after a violent mob of pro-Trump supporters stormed the building.

Academy Award-winner Witherspoon wrote under several pictures of Biden and Harris: “What an incredible moment for us all to witness!

"It made me emotional to see so many former Presidents and First Ladies showing up to welcome our new leaders to our highest office.

“While the division in our country is still painfully real, I am optimistic that this is a moment of recommitment to each other. A commitment to becoming a UNITED states again.

"Today, I feel hopeful for the future of our great nation.”

Kravitz posted a comical picture of a orange furry being wearing an American flag bikini holding a sign reading “Lol Bye” with the caption: “Live footage of me rn. bye 45.”

Whitmore posted a clip of her drinking out of a mug with an image of Harris on it. “Feeling hopeful,” she wrote.

Journalist Stacey Dooley posted a still from the BBC News broadcast of the ceremony showing Harris — the first woman Vice President — being sworn in. She also posted an image of a young Biden.

Writer Dawn O’Porter posted a teary-eyed selfie with the caption: “Well that was mildly emotional.”

Desperate Housewives star Longoria welcomed the swearing in of the new president and vice president.

She tweeted: “Today, we make history! Today, we celebrate leaders like President Joe Biden and our first Madam Vice President, Kamala Harris.

“Today is only the beginning.”

Actress Washington said there is “much work to do” following the inauguration of Mr Biden.

She added on Twitter: “But TODAY I want to celebrate. And pray. And revel in our tremendous power (even against all odds) to make history happen.”

Broadcaster Winfrey said she was “in tears watching this extraordinary moment for women in the US and the world” alongside an image of Ms Harris taking the oath.

Comedian and actor Mindy Kaling wrote: “It matters. Happy Inauguration everyone.”

Talk show host Jimmy Fallon also congratulated the new president and vice president.

“I’m honored and proud to witness this moment in history,” he tweeted.

It matters. Happy Inauguration everyone. pic.twitter.com/eGZWpQAWoh

— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) January 20, 2021

It author Stephen King tweeted: “This is a pretty beautiful event.”

Earlier today, Chrissy Teigen, whose husband Legend is performing during the Celebrating America special later, posted footage on the way to the soundcheck.

Of Mr Trump, she wrote: “History will not be kind to you, you absolute psychopath. But I never was anyhow.”

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